The Banker Blueprint - A Novel Concept in Behavioral Economics

Prior to my pursuit of a career in finance my inner circle of friends (some of whom are in finance themselves) warned me that I would be a hero in my own fishbowl, hated by all those outside it; my three ex-wives and children inclusive.

The closer to, and perhaps now further into, the fishbowl I become it does in-fact seem systemic that 'players' in high finance - bankers in particular - are seldom in a steady relationship but do often have an alustrious legacy of ex's and children to their name.

Not one to accept things on face value I thought about it further. Was there really in fact a direct correlation between the job/industry and systemic failure of long term relationships?

Pondering this thought, I discovered that there are two strong commonalities between banking and marriage, the people and that they're both relationship focused. That is, to be successful, bankers must be proficient at fostering relationships and executing deals then seamlessly moving to the next. Similarly if not ruthlessly, personal relationships if viewed like their business counterpart take a similar tact; through courtship (the pitch), dating & engagement (due diligence), marriage (deal execution) and children (bonus?). Then, well, start all over again.

So, I guess my conjecture is that the failed relationships of elite bankers may in fact be truly systemic. This is not largely contrary to popular opinion however the true cause may be less obvious - that is, due to a fundamental personality trait (and perhaps some conditioning) rather than the work hard play hard lifestyle to which it is typically attributed.

Food for thought...